Chocolate boss visits school to help inspire youngsters

The CEO of the firm which owns Cadbury’s chocolate visited John Colet School this week, to explain to youngsters about her industry.

Mary Barnard, of Mondelez, visited the school on Thursday as part of the IGD Feeding Britain’s Future Schools Programme.

The initiative is designed to help 13 to 17 year olds with the skills they need to find work.

Other food and grocery bosses have also joined the scheme, including Andy Clarke of Asda, and Gavin Darby of Premier Foods.

Mary said: “It’s great to see so many companies from across the industry, working together to invest in young people and local communities.

“As a business, we’ve supported Feeding Britain’s Future from the beginning, opening our doors to local young people across our sites.

“Following our involvement in the schools programme pilot in 2014, I am really proud to be part of this year’s schools programme where I have the opportunity to share my own career experiences and offer advice to those looking to join the food industry.”

The project has been spearheaded by IGD, a food and grocery research and training charity.

Joanne Denney-Finch of the charity, said: “The feedback to date has been excellent. Nine out of ten of the students who’ve taken part so far have told us that the workshops helped them realise how their skills and subject choices can help prepare them for the world of work.

“When I spoke to students at last year’s pilot it was clear that they didn’t fully value the experiences they’ve developed at school, so we want to help them recognise that these skills are transferable to working life.”